30

30
Camille

I was literally in the wrong place at the right time.
I heard exactly what I needed to make Juan Carlos stop his threats—or at least think twice before trying anything again.
The morning felt quieter than usual, although I knew Javier’s absence didn’t mean freedom.
He was far too meticulous to leave anything to chance, especially when it came to me. Even so, I needed to test the limits.
I sent a quick message to Roberta, asking her to meet me. Despite her usual hatred for mornings, she replied with a “only if you're buying the coffee” that made me smile.
After making sure Roberta was on her way, I went after Carmen. I already knew what to expect: objections, control, and inevitably, the bodyguards.
“I’m meeting my mother for coffee and… maybe I’ll go shopping afterward,” I said, trying to sound casual.
Carmen raised her eyebrows, surprised by the last part of the sentence. She seemed to be deciding whether this was a golden opportunity to watch me or some kind of trap.
“We’re going with you,” she stated without hesitation, and I just shrugged.
“Fine by me,” I replied, faking indifference, while inside I was celebrating the first step of my plan working.

Soon after, we were at a fancy café downtown.
I chose a table near the window, using the street movement as a distraction for the guards outside. Carmen sat at a table a bit farther away, clearly uncomfortable, and Roberta, across from me, was already complaining about the size of the coffee she had ordered.
“I knew these fancy places don’t serve anything that satisfies a normal person,” she grumbled, pointing to the tiny cup in front of her.
“You ordered an espresso, Mom,” I replied, rolling my eyes.
“Doesn’t mean it had to be that small.”

When Carmen got up to take a call—probably something related to the guards or Javier—I seized the moment.
“Mom, I need to tell you something.” My voice was hesitant, and my eyes were fixed on the bottom of the coffee cup, stirring it absentmindedly.
“So talk. And I hope it’s important, making me get out of bed at eight in the morning.” She raised her brows, calmly setting down her champagne glass as if she already knew something was coming.
I took a deep breath, feeling a weight on my chest. I knew what I was about to say wouldn’t be well received, but I needed to get it off my chest.
“I… heard something.” My voice was low but firm. “About the shipment to Veracruz. I overheard Javier talking to Marco in the office.”
Roberta leaned in slightly, her eyes narrowing. Her interest was obvious, but she said nothing, just encouraged me with her gaze.
“He decided the main route wasn’t safe, so…” I paused, trying to organize the information. “They’re going to divert through Highway 180. It’s longer, but less monitored.”
I saw her expression turn more serious, her fingers interlacing in her lap.
“The shipment will be transported in two trucks disguised as food deliveries. Javier plans to take three men with him and leave two others behind to reinforce security at the mansion.” My voice dropped even more. “They should arrive in Veracruz around midnight, if everything goes as planned.”
Roberta kept her eyes on me, saying nothing, but the silence was heavier than any question. So I decided to take a risk.
“Can you now ask Juan Carlos to stop sending strangers to intimidate me?”
She let out a long sigh, tilting her head slightly as she studied me carefully, as if weighing something.
“We’re not done yet, Camille.” Her voice was calm but sharp as a blade. “And whatever he needs, you’ll continue helping.” She paused, her gaze hardening. “I hope you haven’t forgotten that even though you’re married to that monster, we’re still a family. A united and… happy family. And besides, I don’t want to be poor again, and I doubt you do either, especially now.”
A chill ran down my spine. Her words were a cold, direct reminder that, despite all the distance and the years that had passed, in her eyes, I was still a piece on the board she controlled.
I lowered my head, too afraid to answer, and went back to stirring my coffee. The bitter taste seemed to match the lump growing in my throat.

Without a formal or informal goodbye, Roberta stood up, grabbed her purse, and left without even looking back. Carmen, seeing her go, came over to me, stopping in front of the table with a confused expression.
“Is everything okay? I thought you were going shopping.”
I used the back of my hand to wipe the sweat that had formed on my forehead. Roberta’s words had twisted my stomach, and even the smell of coffee threatened to make me vomit the nothing that was in it.
I looked up, meeting Carmen’s eyes and forced a smile.
“I changed my mind. I want to go back home.”
She cupped the side of my face with her hand.
“You don’t look well, and no wonder. You didn’t even have breakfast—just ordered a black coffee when we got here.” I rolled my eyes impatiently, wanting nothing more than my bed. “You’ll eat something, and then we’ll go back home.”
With that, she sat down, extending the menu to me, waiting for me to choose my breakfast so we could return to the safety of the mansion.

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